OSUN POLL: POLICE ARREST 295 SUSPECTS, RELEASE 293 ON BAIL

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 295 suspects over various offences recorded during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

Of the number, 293 suspects have been released on bail after undergoing screening, while two others remain in police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The arrests were made as security agencies intensified surveillance and enforcement across the state to prevent electoral violence, vote-buying and other offences during the election.

Speaking in an interview with the media, the Force spokesman, Ani Iniedu, said the two suspects still in custody would undergo further investigation before being prosecuted for offences established against them.

“Two hundred and ninety-five suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. So, we have two of them in custody for prosecution,” he said.

The police said the arrests formed part of the security measures deployed across Osun State to ensure the peaceful and credible conduct of the governorship poll.

Ahead of the election, the police had warned political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders against engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it did not record any arrest during the election.

The NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, said the Corps established comprehensive security arrangements across the state’s local government areas and wards to deter criminal activities and ensure a rapid response to any emerging threat.

According to him, the agency deployed a multi-layered security architecture involving both armed and unarmed personnel to protect polling units, electoral officials and materials.

Babawale said three fully armed patrol teams, supported with Hilux vehicles, were stationed in each local government area to maintain a visible security presence and respond to major incidents.

He added that three unarmed personnel were deployed directly to every polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities, while two armed officers were positioned about 500 metres away from each polling centre.

According to him, the deployment brought the total number of NSCDC personnel assigned to cover each polling unit to five.